Fragments of Us

Chapter Fifteen: Drunk

Milo wasn’t sure what he’d expected when Dante invited him to a “small get-together,” but as soon as he arrived at Dante’s place, he realized “small” was very much a stretch. Dante had transformed his apartment into a setup reminiscent of their college parties—string lights, music loud enough to feel in your chest, and people already milling about with drinks in hand, laughing and chatting over the beat.

   “Milo! Look who’s back!” a voice called out, cutting through the chatter. Milo turned to see a group of former classmates heading toward him, their smiles wide and welcoming.

   “Milo, it’s been forever!” one of them said, pulling him into a quick hug. “Dante said you were back in Portland, but I didn’t believe it until now.”

Another chimed in, “You look good! Portland suits you.”

Milo chuckled, a little overwhelmed but grateful. “Thanks. I guess taking care of my dad kept me on my toes.”

Jason leaned in with a grin. “And here I thought it was my company keeping you sharp.”

“Sure, Jason,” Milo said, rolling his eyes. “We’ll go with that.”

A few more people approached to greet him, offering hugs and handshakes. Chev, standing nearby, observed the scene with a bemused smile.

Chev looked around. “So, this is Dante’s idea of a little get-together, huh? Go big or go home, I guess!”

Milo chuckled, nudging her. “Guess some things don’t change. Although, I have to admit, this is a lot more… tame than our college parties. Remember the time Dante thought it was a good idea to stage-dive from his couch?”

Jason burst out laughing. “How could I forget? I swear he left a permanent dent in the floor.”

Milo shook his head, grinning, then spotted Dante at the other end of the room, looking surprisingly comfortable as a host. Gone was the intimidating, smug expression he used to wear in college; he seemed genuinely happy, chatting animatedly with a few people gathered around him.

Dante caught Milo’s eye and waved him over. “Milo! You made it!”

   “Of course,” Milo said, raising his cup in a mock toast. “Wouldn’t miss one of your legendary parties.”

Dante laughed, clapping him on the shoulder. “It’s been too long, man. If we’re doing this, we’re doing it right.” He pointed over his shoulder to Aarav, who was talking to a few other guests, holding a drink but looking a bit overwhelmed by the crowd. “Aarav’s been teasing me all week about trying to recreate ‘college Dante.’ He thinks I’m going through an early midlife crisis.”

Milo chuckled, giving Aarav a nod, which he returned with a small, friendly smile.

Atlas arrived a little later, weaving through the crowd until he spotted Milo, Jason, and Chev near the kitchen. “Hey,” he said, grinning as he looked around. “This feels like a flashback, doesn’t it?”

   “Absolutely,” Milo replied, laughing. “Except I think we’re all slightly less reckless now.”

   “Only slightly,” Atlas replied, giving him a playful nudge.

At one point in the night, the four of them ended up playing a college classic—beer pong—against Dante and Aarav. Chev, it turned out, still had her uncanny aim and competitive streak.

   “Come on, Milo!” she shouted as he missed another shot. “Channel your inner frat boy!”

   “Inner frat boy?” Jason joked, raising an eyebrow. “Did he even have one?”